The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as its Acting General Secretary, following the resignation of Dame Joan Oji, PhD, from the position of General Secretary and member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association. The appointment takes immediate effect and will subsist for the remainder of the current administration, which ends in 2027.

The announcement was made by the President of the Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, who explained that Dame Joan Oji voluntarily resigned her position following her relocation to the United States of America after being granted Permanent Residency. In line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Association of Nigerian Authors regarding officers resident outside Nigeria, the National Executive Council accepted her resignation with appreciation for her exceptional service to the Association.

Dr. Akanbi described Dame Joan Oji’s tenure as one marked by unwavering dedication, integrity, professionalism, and administrative excellence. He noted that her outstanding contributions over the past thirty months played a pivotal role in restoring the dignity, stability, and operational effectiveness of the Association. According to him, her commitment to the ideals of ANA and her exemplary leadership have earned her a permanent place in the history of the Association.

Pursuant to the constitutional provisions of ANA, the Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, has automatically assumed the office of Acting General Secretary. Consequently, his name and signature shall henceforth appear alongside that of the President on all official correspondence, policy documents, press statements, and communications issued on behalf of the Association.

Mr. Wole Adedoyin, an author, literary administrator, and cultural advocate, has served diligently as Assistant General Secretary since the inception of the current administration. Widely acknowledged for his commitment to literary development, effective communication, and organizational administration, he has contributed significantly to the implementation of several programmes and initiatives that have strengthened the Association’s operations and public engagement.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr. Adedoyin expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and members of ANA for the confidence reposed in him. He paid glowing tribute to Dame Joan Oji, describing her as not only an outstanding General Secretary but also a mother, mentor, and administrator whose guidance and wealth of experience shaped his understanding of effective organizational leadership. He pledged to build upon the strong administrative foundation she established and to continue seeking her counsel whenever necessary.

In her response, Dame Joan Oji warmly congratulated Mr. Adedoyin on his new responsibility and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the Secretariat successfully. Drawing from over four decades of experience as an educator, she described him as a faithful, available, and teachable leader whose dedication and willingness to learn have distinguished him within the Association. She assured him of her continued support and mentorship, expressing optimism that he would successfully steer the affairs of the Secretariat and eventually succeed as substantive General Secretary after the expiration of the current tenure in 2027.

The National Executive Council and the General Congress of ANA have expressed deep appreciation to Dame Joan Oji for her years of faithful and selfless service to the Association. Members acknowledged her invaluable role in strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting initiatives that have repositioned ANA as Nigeria’s foremost literary organization. They also celebrated her new milestone and wished her continued success, fulfilment, and God’s guidance in all her future endeavours.

While accepting her resignation with mixed emotions, the Association emphasized that Dame Joan Oji remains an integral member of the ANA family despite her relocation. The leadership expressed optimism that she would continue to support the Association from abroad through mentorship, advisory roles, and participation in its programmes. ANA also looks forward to welcoming her physically at its forthcoming 45th International Convention and other future activities of the Association.

The Association of Nigerian Authors reiterated its commitment to continuity, institutional stability, and the promotion of literature and literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond. With the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as Acting General Secretary, the Association assures its members, partners, and stakeholders that its programmes, advocacy initiatives, membership services, and administrative activities will continue seamlessly as it pursues its vision of advancing Nigerian literature and nurturing generations of writers.

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